Christmas Booking Checklist

3 tips for your best Xmas ever

Increase bookings
Reduce no-shows
Earn more

🎄Xmas Checklist 🎄

3 easy ways to keep your chairs full, your team buzzing, and your clients looking fabulous this December!

Step 1: Fill Chairs

End of October

  • Text your VIP clients (the ones who always book the big colour jobs or a full pamper) and let them know your Christmas diary is OPEN.
  • No discounts needed—just remind them spaces go quicker than a box of Roses in the staff room.
  • Text idea:
    “🎄 [Salon name] has now opened our Christmas bookings! Don’t let your roots ruin the family photos—book online [link] or call [phone].”

Start of November

  • Give your regulars a nudge if they haven’t booked yet.
  • Keep it light and fun—make them feel like it’s now or never.
  • Text idea:
    “✨ Christmas glam alert! Santa loves a fresh blow-dry and we’re filling up fast. Book now [link] or call [phone].”

End of November

  • Count how many spaces are left.
  • Do a last shout-out to your colour clients especially.
  • Text idea:
    “🎁 Only a few December slots left at [Salon name]! Don’t get caught rocking lockdown roots this Christmas—book now [link].”

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BONUS: Check out the SMS templates HERE ⬅️

Step 2: Stop Cancellations

December cancellations are a nightmare—like pulling the turkey out and finding it’s still frozen.

Difference is the frozen turkey won't cost you hundreds of ÂŁÂŁÂŁ in lost earnings!

How to protect yourself:

  1. Take deposits – at least 50% for big colour jobs or transformations.
  2. Be clear – shout about your cancellation rules on Insta, your website, and at the desk.
  3. Share early – don’t wait ‘til December to lay down the law.
  4. Train your team – give them a script so they don’t wobble when asking for deposits.

Cancellation Policy Templates ➡️ HERE ⬅️

Receptionist Deposit Script ➡️ HERE ⬅️

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Step 3: Tips Keep The Team Merry!)

Here’s the fun bit: December is the best month for tips. Data from Slick shows clients tip 21% more in December—they’re in the giving mood (and who doesn’t want their stylist feeling festive cheer?).

Why Slick tipping is a total game-changer:

  • Tips go straight to your team’s bank accounts—no awkward envelopes, no faffing.
  • No fees—your staff keep 100% of what clients give.
  • Paid the next working day, so it’s Christmas bonus vibes all month long.

Why it matters:

  • A happy, well-tipped stylist = loyal clients and less staff turnover.
  • No payroll dramas or awkward “who gets what” convos.
  • A fair system that keeps your team grinning from balayage to blow-dry.

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Wrap-Up: Sleigh Your December

✨ Nail these three steps and you’ll have a fully booked salon, no empty chairs, and a team who’ll be rocking around the Christmas tree with smiles as shiny as your clients’ fresh blow-dries.

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